The Tennessee BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich from TGI Friday's features tender slow-cooked pulled pork drenched in smoky barbecue sauce, topped with tangy coleslaw and pickles, all nestled inside a soft toasted bun for a mouthwatering blend of savory, sweet, and crunchy flavors.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or oven
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (for toasting buns)
- Large pot (for boiling or preparing coleslaw, if needed)
- Colander
- Measuring spoons/cups
- Serving spoon
- Grater (for coleslaw vegetables, if shredding fresh)
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup smoky barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12-16 pickle chips
- 4 soft sandwich buns
The core ingredient in this recipe is the 2 lbs boneless, skinless pork shoulder, which must be slow-cooked to achieve tender, flavorful pulled pork. Using smoky barbecue sauce is essential to replicate the authentic Tennessee BBQ taste, while smoked paprika and brown sugar provide depth and balance. The coleslaw mix should be fresh and finely shredded to add the perfect crunchy contrast to the rich pork. Pickle chips enhance the sandwich with a tangy bite, complementing the savory and sweet elements. Your Tennessee BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich from TGI Friday's copycat menu will deliver a delicious combination of smoky, tangy, and creamy textures that make it irresistible.
Instructions
- Trim and cut pork shoulder as needed.
- Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub spice mix onto pork shoulder.
- Place pork shoulder in slow cooker or oven-safe pot.
- Add 1/2 cup barbecue sauce to pork; reserve rest for later.
- Cook pork on low (slow cooker: 8 hours; oven: 300°F/150°C for 3–4 hours) until tender.
- Remove pork; shred using two forks.
- Toss shredded pork with remaining barbecue sauce.
- Mix coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper in bowl.
- Refrigerate coleslaw until ready to serve.
- Lightly butter and toast sandwich buns on baking sheet.
- Layer pulled pork onto bottom half of each bun.
- Top with coleslaw and pickle chips.
- Place bun tops on sandwiches.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Tennessee BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich from TGI Friday's copycat menu delivers a perfect balance of smoky pulled pork, tangy coleslaw, and crunchy pickles on a soft bun. If you don't have pork shoulder, pork butt or even boneless pork loin can be used as substitutes, but cooking times may vary. When barbecue sauce isn't available, mixing ketchup with smoked paprika and a splash of apple cider vinegar can create a flavorful alternative. For coleslaw, pre-packaged mixes save time, but shredding fresh cabbage and carrots with a grater adds fresher texture and taste. Your toasted buns can be warmed on a baking sheet or quickly toasted in a skillet if an oven isn't handy.
Tips
Make sure to trim excess fat from the pork shoulder for even cooking and better texture. Use two forks to shred the pork thoroughly, allowing the sauce to coat every strand for maximum flavor. Chill the coleslaw before serving to enhance its crispness and balance the smoky taste of the pork. Toasting your sandwich buns with a light layer of butter adds a satisfying crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Nutritions
The Tennessee BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich provides a rich source of protein primarily from the slow-cooked pork shoulder, supplying essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. The smoky barbecue sauce adds flavor but can contribute to elevated sugar and sodium levels, so moderation is key for your dietary balance. Coleslaw incorporates fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants from cabbage and carrots, while mayonnaise and pickles add fats and probiotics, respectively. Overall, this sandwich offers a satisfying mix of macronutrients and micronutrients, though the calorie count can be relatively high due to the sauce and mayo content.
Storage
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its smoky flavor and tenderness. Coleslaw should be kept separate in a sealed container and consumed within 2 days to preserve its crisp texture. If you want to enjoy your Tennessee BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich later, reheat the pork gently in the oven or slow cooker and toast the buns fresh to keep your sandwich as delicious as when first made.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute pork shoulder with boneless pork butt for similar tenderness and flavor in the sandwich. For a smoky depth, try adding a splash of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce mixture. If you prefer a tangier coleslaw, increase the apple cider vinegar to 2 tablespoons and add a dash of Dijon mustard for extra zest. Toast the buns with a brushed layer of garlic butter instead of plain butter to enhance the savory notes of your Tennessee BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich.
Allergies
The Tennessee BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich contains common allergens such as mayonnaise, which includes eggs, and the sandwich buns that likely contain wheat/gluten. Celery seed in the coleslaw may trigger reactions in individuals sensitive to celery. Your best option is to check ingredient labels or consult with the restaurant if you have allergies to eggs, gluten, or celery before enjoying this sandwich.
Why this recipe?
Tennessee BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich at TGI Friday's offers a mouthwatering combination of tender, slow-cooked pulled pork drenched in smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, served on a soft, toasted bun that enhances every bite. The sandwich pairs perfectly with crispy fries or coleslaw, creating a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Its authentic Southern-style seasoning and rich barbecue profile make it a standout choice for barbecue lovers seeking a flavorful meal. Trying to make the copycat version allows you to recreate this delicious experience at home, customizing the taste to your preferences while enjoying a cost-effective and rewarding cooking project.